Social Media Interventions for Loneliness

(KSSYA Trial)

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Disqualifiers: Reside in rural region

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if an online intervention, the Keep Social Study, can reduce loneliness in young adults by promoting face-to-face interactions with new people. It will compare the effects of this intervention with a placebo using a mock social media platform. Participants will engage in a 6-week online study, which includes daily check-ins and social media messaging. Individuals who use social media, own a smartphone, and live in urban or suburban areas might be suitable candidates, particularly if they belong to groups at higher risk for health issues, such as identifying as Black or Hispanic or having a low perceived social status. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding how online interventions can enhance social connections and well-being.

Do I have to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on social interactions and does not mention medication changes.

What prior data suggests that this protocol is safe for young adults?

Research has shown that digital tools, such as those used in the Keep Social Study, are usually easy to use and have few side effects. These tools can help reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation.

Although specific side effects for the Keep Social Study are not available, similar social media tools generally do not cause major negative effects. They aim to promote positive social interactions, which is typically safe. Prospective participants should know that these tools are designed to be user-friendly and safe. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Social Media Interventions for Loneliness trial because it explores a novel approach to tackling loneliness by using social media as a tool for encouraging real-world social interactions. Unlike traditional treatments for loneliness, which might include therapy or medication, this method leverages if-then behavioral plans and targeted messages within a simulated social media environment to motivate people to connect in person. By blending digital engagement with psychoeducational content and actionable plans, this approach offers a fresh take on reducing feelings of isolation, potentially making it more engaging and accessible for many individuals.

What evidence suggests that this trial's interventions could be effective for reducing loneliness?

Research has shown that using social media can help people feel less lonely and isolated. Studies have found that technology-based activities positively impact loneliness, especially for those living alone. A review of various studies found that digital tools can help people connect better with others. Some evidence suggests that social media can improve interactions, leading to less loneliness. This trial will test a specific intervention, the "Keep Social Study," which includes an experimental arm where participants view a brief psychoeducational video, receive guided instructions for creating if-then behavioral plans, and engage with a simulated social media platform featuring target messages that encourage in-person social interactions. While results can differ, a trend indicates that these methods can effectively enhance social connections. ^{3 4 6 7 8}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Barbara L. Frederickson, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

The Keep Social Study is for young adults aged 18-29 who feel socially isolated or lonely. Participants must be willing to engage in an online study for 6 weeks, including geotracking and daily reporting. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

Own a smartphone

Reside in urban or suburban regions

I use social media.

Exclusion Criteria

Reside in rural region

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Baseline

Participants complete the BW1 baseline survey to assess demographic characteristics and initial levels of all outcome variables. Optional activation of passive geotracking.

2 weeks

1 visit (virtual)

Invibe

Participants receive Invibe social media messages and complete Day Reports assessing psychological and behavioral mediators and moderators.

4 weeks

3 visits per week (virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessments of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and other health outcomes.

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Keep Social Study

Trial Overview This trial tests if encouraging high-quality social interactions reduces loneliness compared to a control group using a simulated social media platform. It involves baseline surveys, biweekly assessments, and ecological behavior sampling over six weeks.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Experimental Arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants are exposed to a brief psychoeducational video, guided instructions for creating if-then behavioral plans, a simulated social media platform with background content, and target messages within the platform that encourage in-person social interactions with strangers and acquaintances.

Group II: Placebo Control Arm Placebo Group 1 Intervention

Participants are exposed to a simulated social media platform with background content.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,588

Recruited

4,364,000+

National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)

Collaborator

Trials

473

Recruited

1,374,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9132132/

Impact of digital social media on the perception ... The scientific evidence shows that the use of digital social media can reduce the perception of loneliness and/or isolation in older adults.

2. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2214782925000570

Digital bridges to social connection: A systematic review ... This systematic review and meta-analysis assess the impact of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on digital interventions to reduce loneliness and social ...

3. aging.jmir.org aging.jmir.org/2022/4/e40125/

Effectiveness of Technology Interventions in ... - JMIR Aging The reviews reported mixed results. Positive effects of ICT on loneliness were the most commonly reported, followed by the positive impacts of ...

4. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/eurpub/article/33/2/235/7074489

effectiveness of interventions to prevent loneliness and social ... The results show interventions can potentially reduce loneliness in the non-institutionalized, community-dwelling and older population living at home.

5. journalofethics.ama-assn.org journalofethics.ama-assn.org/article/internet-and-loneliness/2023-11

The Internet and Loneliness - AMA Journal of Ethics It could be argued that people have better interpersonal interactions because of social media, which could reduce loneliness.

6. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-social-isolation-4-2025-140b8

Social Media Interventions for Loneliness (KSSYA Trial) ... Keep Social Study will have tolerable side effects & efficacy for patients with Social Isolation, Social Isolation and Loneliness. Learn more about the study.

7. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9233308/

PROTOCOL: Digital interventions to reduce social isolation ... The aim is to map available evidence on the effects of digital interventions to mitigate social isolation and/or loneliness in older adults in all settings ...

8. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10681039/

Digital interventions to reduce social isolation and ... Common digital interventions include videoconferencing, telephone calls, socially assistive robots, and virtual pets to reduce social isolation and loneliness ...